By Chino S. Leyco

Winston cigarette-maker Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed John Freda as new Philippine general manager. Prior to his Manila assignment, Freda was vice-president for marketing and sales for JTI Asia Pacific.

In a statement, JTI Philippines said yesterday that Freda “brings with him a wealth of experience running various JTI markets in Europe.” Freda was head of consumer and trade marketing in Germany, general manager in Ireland, Hungary, and Slovenia as well as had occupied other senior sales and marketing roles in the JTI organization.

Earlier in his career, Freda was with UK tobacco company Gallaher before the same was acquired by the Geneva-based cigarette manufacturing company.

In the Philippines, JTI manufactures and distributes cigarette brands Winston, Camel, Mevius, Mighty and Marvels, employing close to 4,000 personnel including those in the manufacturing plant in Lima, Batangas.